Awake, O Sleeper | Ephesians 5:14

June 16, 2016June 20, 2016

Flash Flood Warning

Lately, it seems like there has been a very dark cloud looming above (literally and figuratively). Living in Dallas, I am used to the intermittent once a month showers, but lately we have been inundated by rain on a weekly – if not daily – basis! I have to bring my umbrella along with me just in case of downpour, and my poor curls can’t handle this constant humidity.

In my personal life, there have been unexpected “flash floods” occurring in the lives of my loved ones. I won’t go into the details today, but in this month alone I have three relatives very close to me who have received major blows in their health.

As I sit here typing these words, one of my loved ones is currently undergoing surgery, and my family, including me, are all waiting patiently to hear about any updates. We are all hoping that this is just a temporary suffering. We are hoping that God will heal. We are desperate for a miracle.

While the lives of my loved ones seem chaotic as we are all processing the new information and trying to sort out the myriad of questions that are suddenly looming over our heads incessantly, there is one thing that is keeping us sane: God. In my heart, my deepest request to God has been for healing, more time, and strength for the coming days.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. | 1 Peter 1: 6-7

Despite all the badness going on right now, we hold onto hope. We hold onto God’s unwavering faithfulness. We cling to the knowledge that God absolutely understands what we are going through and that He is more than capable of transforming a horrible situation into something good that will bring ultimate glory to Him.

The crazy thing is that I am already seeing some good in all of this. Our family has never been this united. Sure my cousins and I are as close as siblings, and I consider my aunts and uncles like extra sets of parents. However, when my husband and I went to visit my family member the night before the surgery, we walked in on an impromptu prayer meeting with all my family sitting on the floor beseeching the Lord for healing! Witnessing such genuine love for each other really was a blessing on my heart.

Will this be the hardest thing our family may have to endure? Yeah, I think it will be. My chest tightens when I think of the road ahead of us… Will we get to be together for years, or will we only have months? When one part of the body suffers, the rest suffers as well. As the Body of Christ, we are all hurting. My God knows our hearts, knows our sincere requests, and knows what is best. I have to remind myself that God is not surprised by any of this. He knew this would happen, but greater than that, He knows what will happen. BEST of all, I know that we have an eternal hope. Regardless of the outcome, I have the assurance that my loved one is secure in the hands of Christ and that just as we cry together in this world, we will also dance together in the presence of Jesus for eternity.

I know that our family is not the only one going through a “flash flood” right now. I know that there is so much suffering and injustice that occurs on a daily basis, but cling to Jesus. Cling to His Word and His promises. Cling to His hand. He will never let you go. He will cry with you, but He will carry you through if you let Him.

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Published by Sheba

Sheba is a Dallas native that wears many hats including Physician Assistant in the inpatient oncology department, “wifey” to her husband, mommy to the sweetest lil baby, but most importantly disciple of Christ. Her idea of a fun time includes trying out different foods (especially desserts), listening to music (live concerts is a big bonus!), traveling with her husband, and unwinding with her loved ones (Netflix may be involved). When she has some extra time to squeeze in, she enjoys singing with family, painting/drawing impressionistic works, writing on the blog, and reading fiction. View all posts by Sheba